Egyptian Businessmen Present: 'Sharia Tourism'

In what appears to be another expression of the strengthening of Islam in Egypt, a new initiative encourages “sharia tourism.”

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Elad Benari, 30/07/12 05:44

Egypt's President Morsi attends Friday prayer

Reuters

In what appears to be another expression of the strengthening of Islam under the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood, Channel 2 News reported on Sunday of a new initiative in Egypt which encourages “sharia tourism.”

The new project, initiated by local businessmen, is directed at the religious sector in Egypt and allows it to take a vacation which follows the rules of Islam.

Two businessmen have launched the initiative as part of a local company called Shouq Travel, and they invite vacationers to arrange their vacation according to Sharia law.

The company’s website says that those who seek a “sharia” vacation may stay in a special hotel and visit specific tourist sites. Women visitors to the sites are required to wear modest clothes and may only be accompanied by a first-degree relative.

Channel 2 News noted that when visiting the company’s website, one may see photos of such vacations, including pictures of family riding a jet ski with a bearded father and a mother who is covered from head to toe.

During his election campaign, Egyptian president-elect Mohammed Morsi reiterated his commitment to jihad and to the Islamic sharia law.

“The Koran was and will continue to be our constitution,” the Muslim Brotherhood candidate said in a speech broadcast on Egyptian television. “The Koran is our constitution. The prophet Muhammad is our leader. Jihad is our path. And death for the sake of Allah is our most lofty aspiration.”

Morsi also said, “This nation will enjoy blessing and revival only through the Islamic sharia. I take an oath before Allah and before you all that regardless of the actual text (of the constitution), Allah willing, the text will truly reflect (the sharia).”